Review: “Rhythm Bears” children’s music CD

About:

Rodney Lee, founder of Groove Kid Nation, believes music is important for early childhood development. Lee has created award-winning CDs that expand “a kid’s musical journey with fresh age-appropriate concepts.”

Ten percent of the wholesale price of “Rhythm Bears” will be donated to Care.org to aid in the fight against global poverty.

Our Experiences:

As a cellist, I can appreciate Rodney Lee’s desire to expose children to “real” music as opposed to the manufactured, imitation sounds that toys produce. I suppose I’m a snob where music is concerned. For example, I have no idea what the “popular” songs are these days, because I only play classical music or traditional hymns (sung by children) when I’m driving with Baby J. Yes, I’m THAT mom.

I enjoy the music on this CD and always find myself tapping my foot along with the beat. It’s pleasant to listen to, and the musicians on this CD really are talented and proficient on their instruments. For more on the musicians, click HERE.

The CD uses call and response to teach kids rhythm. The artist claps and then the listener is supposed to echo the clapping. Baby J quite happily claps along with the music (big grin on his face). I wish I could say he gets the rhythm right, but, well, he is only 15 months. He does actually clap on the beat occasionally, and I convince myself it’s on purpose. =D

Memphis the bear

I appreciate the extensive list of child-appropriate musical instruments that Lee has posted on his site. Besides the booklet included with the CD, the website and Lee’s YouTube page contain additional resources to complement the disk.